The Minister for Fisheries and Acquaculture, Mavis Hawa Koomson has warned fishermen planning to land their fish catch at the Togo border during the Closed Season to desist from such act.
“Be warned that, the ministry, together with the Marine Enforcement Unit, will apprehend and charge fishermen, who will go on with their intention. More so, there shall be no more use of monofilament nets and any unauthorized fishing gears after the opening of the season” she reiterated.
Also, she said “let us remember that the health of our oceans is directly linked to the health of our communities. By protecting our marine resources today, we are securing a prosperous future for our offspring. Let us all play our part in ensuring the success of this year’s Closed Fishing Season” she added.
The minister issued the warning during the symbolic closure of the 2024 Closed Fishing Season in Upper Dixcove, Ahanta West Municipality, Western Region.
She emphasized that the annual event is vital not just for sustaining marine resources but also for the long-term livelihood of fishing communities.
“This season, has been a period of reflection, rejuvenation and renewal for our marine ecosystems, and today, we celebrate the positive strides we have made towards sustainable fishing practices. I understand the immense importance of our fishing industry. It is the backbone of many of our coastal communities, providing food, employment, and cultural identity” she said.
However, Mrs. Koomson pointed out that catches from both marine and inland sources are rapidly declining, endangering the livelihoods of the populace. This decline is attributed to overfishing and unsustainable practices that endanger marine ecosystems, thus jeopardizing the foundation of this crucial sector.
“The Closed Fishing Season is an essential measure, designed to give our fish stocks the opportunity to replenish. During this period, we are giving our marine resources the chance to recover, ensuring that future generations can continue to benefit from the ocean’s abundance. This initiative, is in line with our commitment to sustainable fisheries management and the preservation of biodiversity in our waters” she said.
In addition to the Closed Fishing Season, she stated that the ministry is implementing several other measures aimed at ensuring the sustainability of the fisheries sector. These measures include enforcing fishing regulations, promoting responsible fishing practices, and investing in scientific research to enhance understanding of marine ecosystems.
“We are also enhancing our collaboration with international partners to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which poses a significant threat to our marine resources.
“I look forward to our continued collaboration in building a sustainable and thriving fishing industry for the current and future generations” she expressed hope.
Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, the Western Regional Minister, highlighted that fisherfolk constitute approximately 30% of Ghana’s population.
Therefore, he said “we appreciate and value the work of fishermen and fishmongers and that government, is doing it best to ensure good standard of living for you all”.
President of the Ghana National Canoe Council, Nana Jojo Solomon, commended the minister for enforcing policies and regulations within the fisheries sector. He recommended that all fishermen observe marine protected areas to promote sustainable fishing along the coastal regions.
Obrepong Hema Dekyi XIV, Chief of Upper Dixcove, commended the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture for organizing the Closed Season in the Ahanta West Municipality.
“Involving stakeholders in the industry in your ministry makes the implementation of certain policies easy” he said.
He urged fisherfolk to adhere to the Closed Season to ensure its success.
Food items such as bags of rice, cartons of cooking oil, boxes of canned tomatoes, boxes of canned fish, as well as wire mesh and pans, were distributed to the fisherfolk.
tigpost.co
